We have now reached the middle of the 2004 season and that means it's time for Taco's Team Rankings! If you missed the previous rankings then here they are:

2003 - after week 4
2003 - after week 11
2004 - before regular season

Note: PTR = Previous Taco Ranking

[bef2925c]1. Charleston Sixpacks[/bef2925c] (8-0) Owner: sovereignstar PTR: 12

When you've got Timothy Gordon as your quarterback and an outstanding defense you aren't going to lose many, if any, games. Apparently no one has told Gordon that he is old and he is now on pace for over 500 rushing yards this season. Gordon is a true leader and will do whatever it takes for his team to win. On defense the Sixpacks are allowing a league-low 10.8 points per game.

[bef2925c]2. Denver Dynomite[/bef2925c] (6-1) Owner: varacel PTR: 24

Denver has quietly racked up 6 wins with their only loss coming against Santa Cruz in week 5. They should be able to "cruz" to a division title as they already have a 3 1/2 game lead over second place Fargo. Both the Dynomite offense and defense are hot right now. The offense leads the league in points per game with 25.2 while the defense is second in turnovers with 18.

[bef2925c]3. Tampa Bay Torpedos[/bef2925c] (6-2) Owner: wademoore PTR: 15

Tampa Bay almost defeated #1 Charleston in week 6 but ended up losing the game of the week 10-9. They get a rematch at home in the final week of the regular season. That rematch could have serious playoff implications. The Torpedos are led by workhorse running back Elias Alvey who leads the CFL in rushing attempts (224), rushing yards (866), and rushing TDs (8). Tampa fans hope that Alvey doesn't wear down from the huge pounding that he has taken this year. Last year he only carried the ball 275 times while this year he is on pace to carry the ball 448 times!

[bef2925c]4. Detroit Vampires[/bef2925c] (7-1) Owner: fantastic flying froggies PTR: 31

Detroit's 7-1 record is easily the surprise of the year. No one expected this team to rebound this quickly from their 1-15 season a year ago. The defense has played outstanding each week and has already posted 2 shutouts. They also lead the league in causing turnovers (19) and opponents 3rd down converstion percentage (29.3%). Free safety Milton Ly started off the season with 5 interceptions in the first 3 games. Last week he got his 6th pick and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown against Cleveland. The Vampires are for real. No one should take this team lightly any longer.

[bef2925c]5. Sacramento Dragons[/bef2925c] (7-1) Owner: Thul PTR: 17

The Dragons have had the easiest schedule in the league up to this point, but you can't argue with their 7 wins. Their only loss came against #2 Denver in week 4. Quarterback Seymour Barre leads the CFL in passer rating (102.1), TD passes (14), and yards per attempt (8.97). His first option is usually WR Brian Lore, who is only 26 years old and hasn't reached his full potential yet. Lore has 6 TD catches this season which leads the league.

[bef2925c]6. Albany Engineers[/bef2925c] (5-2) Owner: Gallifrey PTR: 8

Albany's success depends on their quarterback, Rocky McFarland. McFarland set a CFL record with 5 TD passes in week 1 against Cleveland. In the six games since then he has thrown a total of 4 TD passes. He was also recently diagnosed with severe depression, and it will now be extra hard for him to continue to lead this offense. So far the offense has protected the ball very well and has only committed 3 turnovers all year. Albany faces division rival Detroit (#4) in weeks 11 and 15 and those two games will determine the division winner.

[bef2925c]7. Oregon Ice[/bef2925c] (5-3) Owner: Grid Iron PTR: 1

The defending champions have been a slight disappointment so far this year, but they are still the most talented team in the league. They have found that it is tough when everyone is out to get you. Punter Jay Shehee, drafted in the 2nd round by the Ice, is averaging 42.9 yards per punt (5th highest in the league). Oregon's defense took a major hit when safety Alphonso Twombly ruptured his adductor muscle in week 7. Twombly had 6 INTs in the first 7 games of the season but is now out for the year.

[bef2925c]8. Honolulu Blue Pacific[/bef2925c] (5-3) Owner: MrBug708 PTR: 5

Honolulu finally beat a team with a winning record in week 7 when they topped Tucson, but then it all came crashing down in week 8 when they were stunned by Arizona. The Blue Pacific offense could only manage 3 field goals and lost 15-9. Rookie defensive end Randy Irwin (2nd round draft pick) has played well and leads all rookies in sacks with 6.

[bef2925c]9. Santa Cruz Privateers[/bef2925c] (5-2) Owner: Joe PTR: 7

As expected the Privateers have improved from last season when they finished 4-12. Santa Cruz's pass rush has been exceptional. Big Ralph Crank, a 300 lb. defensive end, has led the way with 6 sacks and 11 hurries. On the other side is Conrad Pellegrini who has added 5 sacks and 7 hurries. These two guys are the main reason why opponents have had a hard time throwing the ball.

[bef2925c]10. Memphis Express[/bef2925c] (4-3) Owner: GoldenEagle PTR: 6

Memphis has found all kinds of ways to win games this year. They beat Shreveport by forcing 5 turnovers. They beat Tampa Bay by controlling the clock with the running game. They beat Durham with field goals when kicker Tobias Paschal set a CFL record with 6 FGs in one game for a 18-15 victory. But their most exciting victory came against Baltimore when WR John Parsley took the opening kickoff in overtime 100 yards for a touchdown. Another interesting stat is that the Memphis defense has allowed touchdowns in all 11 opponents trips into the red zone.

Check back soon for #11 - #32...

Very interesting read!

Nice work Taco!

Of course, it would have been even nicer with Tucson in the top 10.

[quote0e5b0fd="Fonzie"]Nice work Taco!

Of course, it would have been even nicer with Tucson in the top 10. [/quote0e5b0fd]

You gotta earn it buddy!

[quote38bc9d0="wademoore"]You gotta earn it buddy! [/quote38bc9d0]

He tasks me. He tasks me and I shall have him! I'll chase wademore around the moons of Nebia, & thru the Antaris Malestrom & round Perditions Flames before I give him up.

Or I'll chase him 'til our showdown in week 12. Whichever comes first.

Here is the next set of teams:

[b7056988]11. San Antonio Armadillos[/b7056988] (4-4) Owner: Ryche PTR: 18

The Armadillos have had a tough schedule during the first half of the year. Three of their four losses have come against #1 Charleston, #2 Denver, and #3 Tampa Bay. It gets easier for the second half of the season as they don't have to play another team with a winning record until week 17. Quarterback Joaquin Luster has thrown the most interceptions in the league, averaging 2 per game. On defense, cornerback Chris McEachern (signed as a free agent from Albany) has returned 3 INTs for touchdowns.

[b7056988]12. Tucson Toros[/b7056988] (5-3) Owner: Fonzie PTR: 11

Tucson, Honolulu, and Las Vegas are in a deadlock at the top of the NFC West with identical 5-3 records. Tuscon lost to #8 Honolulu but won against #14 Las Vegas. Tucson's schedule for the rest of the year is difficult but they will be competitive in every game. One reason for that competitiveness is that QB Milan Hogan has dramatically improved from last season when he had a rating of 71.5. This year his rating is 87.6. The Toros' 1st round draft pick, DE Howie Grier, is reported to have severe anxiety and has been a non-factor on the field.

[b7056988]13. Baltimore Bombers[/b7056988] (3-4) Owner: 3ric PTR: 2

Baltimore has already lost more games this season than they did all of last year. They are now 2 games back from the last wild card spot, but no one will be surprised if they come back to take it. Starting cornerback Chris Wilber hasn't been coming up with the big plays like he did last season. Last year he picked off 7 passes and returned 4 for touchdowns. This year it is 1 interception with 0 touchdowns.

[b7056988]14. Las Vegas Crawfish[/b7056988] (5-3) Owner: The Afoci PTR: 14

After a rough 1-3 start the Crawfish have now won 4 in a row. QB Lenny Olsen has averaged 303 passing yards per game during this 4 game winning streak. During that winning streak starting RB Thomas Karl had rushing totals of 93, 119, 107, and 27 before he hyperextended his knee. Karl is expected to miss a couple of weeks and then return for the big road games against #1 Charleston and #2 Denver in weeks 12 and 13.

[b7056988]15. Boston Panthers[/b7056988] (4-3) Owner: Passacaglia PTR: 29

Boston has played very low scoring games this season. They have scored the least amount of points in the league (88) but have also given up the least amount of points (82). They also have the distinction of being the only team to defeat Detroit so far. 1st round draft choice (15th overall) Kirk Anelli is out for most of the year with an ACL injury. The Panthers could really use the rookie's pass rushing skills since the rest of the DTs have not gotten much pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

[b7056988]16. Chicago Hitmen[/b7056988] (4-4) Owner: dberner30 PTR: 25

Chicago's star runner Arthur "oops, I dropped my foosball" Brady
hasn't fumbled for 5 straight games after fumbling 6 times in the first 3 games. Brady set CFL records for rushes in a game (42) and rushing yards in a game (227) in week 2 against Long Beach. The Hitmen defense only has 5 takeaways this year, the lowest total in the league.

[b7056988]17. Huntington Beach Capitalists[/b7056988] (3-5) Owner: Primal PTR: 4

Huntington Beach is having team discipline problems this year and it has really hurt their performance on the field. They have committed more penalties (59) than another other team. RB Theodore McLaughlin, acquired in the offseason in a trade with Tulsa, has caused some conflicts in the locker room. McLaughlin is only averaging 2.8 yards per rush and only has 3 receptions. One has to wonder if backup RB Ben Everson (1332 rushing yards last season) should get his starting job back.

[b7056988]18. New York Empire[/b7056988] (3-4) Owner: mrkilla22 PTR: 10

New York has run a very conservative offense this season with over 100 more rushing attempts than passing attempts. That offense has only scored 13 total points in the past 3 games and the team has fallen from 3-1 to 3-4. It will be up to the new management to bring this talented team back to life.

[b7056988]19. Atlantic City Phantoms[/b7056988] (3-4) Phantoms Owner: General Mike PTR: 13

Atlantic City had a huge 4th quarter comeback in week 8 against #6 Albany. The team scored two touchdowns in the final 5 minutes to win the game. DE Seth Keller has had a season that he'd like to forget. He has only registered 1/2 sack and is now injured and on the inactive list. On offense, RB Lanny Hower is off to a great start and is averaging 5.0 yards per rush. He is on pace for over 1300 rushing yards this season.

[b7056988]20. Cleveland Flats[/b7056988] (2-5) Owner: TLK PTR: 9

Cleveland has had the most difficult schedule in the league up to this point. That schedule included road games against #4 Detroit, #5 Sacramento, and #6 Albany. WR Tony Oaks is having a career year. He leads the league in receptions (46), receiving yards (668), and yards after the catch (213). On the downside RT James Brown is not earning his huge salary ($9,600,000 cap cost). He has allowed 10 sacks already this year.

#21 - #32 to come...

Take a look at the AC South. Thought to be a weak sister and now all 4 teams in the TACO Top 20.

Here are all of the teams that will probably be at the top of these rankings next year:

[b2f659d2]21. Arizona Outlaws[/b2f659d2] (3-4) Owner: Ramzavail PTR: 16

The city of Arizona is being accused of a scandal that awarded the 2003 coach of the year award to Arizona head coach Jimmie Ferguson. Ferguson came up with a great game plan during his bye week in week 7 and the Outlaws had their best game of the year when they defeated #8 Honolulu in week 8. If the Outlaws improve their turnover ratio (currently -13) then they should be able to keep their momentum and extend their winning streak.

[b2f659d2]22. Fargo Boxcars[/b2f659d2] (2-4-1) Owner: MC PTR: 3

Fargo started out the season strongly going 2-1 with Don Martinez as their starting quarterback. Then they decided to give up on 2004 and named rookie Dwayne Bridges (drafted 9th overall) the starting quarterback. With Bridges as the starter the team is 0-3-1. Bridges hit rock botton in week 5 when he threw 6 interceptions against Huntington Beach. The team has stuck with him and are convinced that he is their quarterback of the future. The future is still a few years away.

[b2f659d2]23. Shreveport Pride[/b2f659d2] (2-5) Owner: Raven Hawk PTR: 26

Shreveport has had a difficult schedule this year but it will help them in the long run. Right now they are developing their young talent that includes 2nd year QB Douglas Hartman. Hartman has almost matched his TD pass total from a year ago. Next offseason the Pride need to get some help on defense. This year they have given up the most points in the CFL (196).

[b2f659d2]24. Tulsa Talons[/b2f659d2] (2-5) Owner: Doug5984 PTR: 32

Tulsa has earned it way out of the #32 ranking that it received before the season started. Rookie star Butch Fulton has yet to have a 100 yard rushing day, although he has reached 90 yards 4 times. The team is in poor shape on defense with 4 starters on the injured list. The rest of this season will be a real test to see how good this team is. The Talons still have 7 road games to play along with only 2 home games.

[b2f659d2]25. Boise City Stampede[/b2f659d2] (3-4) Owner: *open* PTR: 19

Boise started out strongly at 3-1 but lost 3 straight games after their bye week. Pass protection has been a major problem as Boise quarterbacks have been sacked 26 times, tied for most on the CFL. It's no surprise that starter Branden Lin is out with a separated shoulder. It is unclear why RB Sherman New has not started a game yet. Last season he rushed for 1462 yards and this year he is averaging 4.9 ypc in his backup role. Starter Major Crumpler is performing adequately and has racked up 539 yards on the ground.

[b2f659d2]26. New Orleans Breakers[/b2f659d2] (2-5) Owner: jdnoyes PTR: 21

Breakers' RB Brooks Creel has really struggled this year, averaging 2.7 yards per carry for a total of 383 rushing yards. Creel will be a restricted free agent next season and he needs to improve his numbers if he wants to sign another multi-million dollar contract. In week 9 the Breakers get their rematch against division rival San Antonio. San Antonio won the first contest of the season 17-16 by scoring two touchdowns in the 4th quarter.

[b2f659d2]27. Long Beach Calibri[/b2f659d2] (1-5-1) Owner: daedalus PTR: 30

Long Beach has to be a little frustrated after coming so close in their last 3 games. They lost the 3 games by a total of 8 points. Run defense will be something they need to address next season. Only Huntington Beach has given up more rushing yards this season. The Calibri front seven has played a 3-4 and opponents have run at will against them, averaging over 150 yards per game.

[b2f659d2]28. Durham Bulldogs[/b2f659d2] (2-6) Owner: Taco PTR: 20

Durham's offense never showed up this season and that is the main reason why the Bulldogs have lost 5 in a row. In 2003 the Bulldogs averaged 26 points per game, but in 2004 that number has dropped to 14. In week 8 they suffered their first shutout when Charleston blanked them 24-0. RB Dudley Given looks slow and hasn't been electifying like he was last season when he topped 1100 rushing yards. This year he has also had fumbling problems, losing the football 5 times in only 102 attempts.

[b2f659d2]29. Hartford Attack[/b2f659d2] (2-5) Owner: Masked PTR: 27

Hartford had a rough start with 3 straight road losses to start the season. They have split their last 4 games and have an easier schedule for the 2nd half of the year. Next year this Hartford team plans to make the playoffs after their young nucleus of players complete two years together. The standout for the 2004 Attack has been WR Curtis Plotkin. Plotkin has 41 receptions for 613 yards and 4 TDs.

[b2f659d2]30. Anchorage Snow Leopards[/b2f659d2] (1-6) Owner: *open* PTR: 22

Anchorage is a talented team that needs a dedicated owner to get things organized. The team's 3rd and 6th round draft picks (both DEs) are still holding out and haven't played a down. The rushing offense has been terrible with no player having over 200 yards. One bright spot has been idolized DE Casey Bousquet. Casey is a little behind his pass rushing numbers from last year when he was a 1st team all-pro, but he has hustled and taken part in more tackles than any defensive end.

[b2f659d2]31. El Paso Rockets[/b2f659d2] (2-5) Owner: JeeberD PTR: 23

El Paso is 0-4 on the road and 2-1 at home despite having an easy schedule. Last year the team went 0-8 at home so the El Paso fans have been pleased to see the team finally win a couple of games. The most performance of the year by any player on any team was when QB Ernest Lorenzo rushed 38 times for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns in a victory over Huntington Beach. Lorenzo ended up with sore knees and the team has decided to revert back to a more standard playbook.

[b2f659d2]32. Seattle Thunderbirds[/b2f659d2] (1-6) Owner: Sun Tzu PTR: 28

The Seattle passing game needs a lot of help. QB Charles Dever has completed 43% of his passes for only 990 yards. His rating of 44.4 is worst among all starters. Part of the blame can be given to his receivers such as Gregory Rice (0 TDs and 7 dropped passes). Seattle did defeat Arizona in week 4 when the defense scored twice on a fumble return and an interception return.

[quoteb2a3217]Baltimore has already lost more games this season than they did all of last year. They are now 2 games back from the last wild card spot, but no one will be surprised if they come back to take it.[/quoteb2a3217]

I know I won't be.

_________________
GM of the 2004 CFL Champion Charleston Sixpacks - #1 Hater of Hawaii

ImperialFL Co-commish

[quote20309b7="Taco"]27. Long Beach Calibri (1-5-1) Owner: daedalus PTR: 30

Long Beach has to be a little frustrated after coming so close in their last 3 games. They lost the 3 games by a total of 8 points. Run defense will be something they need to address next season. Only Huntington Beach has given up more rushing yards this season. The Calibri front seven has played a 3-4 and opponents have run at will against them, averaging over 150 yards per game.[/quote20309b7]Definitely been ran over and definitely frustrated. Still hoping for improvement.

And still intend to mess up somebody's season in the second half.

Great job Taco, keep it up !

Every week I expect a losing streak to start and every week I notch another win ! I really can't explain it, I don't think my team is that good...
But hey, I'll take it !

_________________
Former Detroit Vampire owner

Great Lakes division champions -2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025
Eastern Conference champions - 2005, 2006, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
CFL Champions - 2021, 2023

Great write up

[quote5c3a628="daedalus"][quote5c3a628="Taco"]27. Long Beach Calibri (1-5-1) Owner: daedalus PTR: 30

Long Beach has to be a little frustrated after coming so close in their last 3 games. They lost the 3 games by a total of 8 points. Run defense will be something they need to address next season. Only Huntington Beach has given up more rushing yards this season. The Calibri front seven has played a 3-4 and opponents have run at will against them, averaging over 150 yards per game.[/quote5c3a628]Definitely been ran over and definitely frustrated. Still hoping for improvement.

And still intend to mess up somebody's season in the second half. [/quote5c3a628]

daed:

You should take a look at my dynasty on FOFC and notice some of the last few posts... not sure if you even realize the thing going on involving your team...

[quote0518e3f="wademoore"]daed:

You should take a look at my dynasty on FOFC and notice some of the last few posts... not sure if you even realize the thing going on involving your team...[/quote0518e3f]I'm not sure I follow what you mean, wade. What am I missing with regards to my team?

[quote16cebd2="daedalus"][quote16cebd2="wademoore"]daed:

You should take a look at my dynasty on FOFC and notice some of the last few posts... not sure if you even realize the thing going on involving your team...[/quote16cebd2]I'm not sure I follow what you mean, wade. What am I missing with regards to my team?[/quote16cebd2]

I think you found it, right? How Weiland is a monster on my team now?

[quote3ba3870="wademoore"]I think you found it, right? How Weiland is a monster on my team now?[/quote3ba3870]Indeed.

Great stuff, as usual, Taco!

- Thul

_________________
HFL: Assistant Commissioner and GM of the NY Jets
eNFL: GM of the Pittsburgh Steelers

[quote9935bbb="Thul"]Great stuff, as usual, Taco!

- Thul[/quote9935bbb]

Thanks, man!